Outdoor Battery Charger

31-10-2007, 11:24 AM

Hiya guys

Tried to ride my bike in this morning as its a nice sunny day. Dead as a Dodo.

I think i might invest in one of these optimiser things.
Only problem is, my bike is in my back garden.
Covered over, and wrapped up nice and warm.

Can I still plug in an optimiser?
I'd have to run an extension lead out the back, and keep the charger under the cover probably...

Nickj · 31-10-2007, 11:47 AM

You'd have two issues there, one is the mains supply you use. Probably this should be an RCD protected spur.
Second is the charger itself even under a cover it would need to be at least water repellant, preferably waterproof so condensation or rain blowing it up wouldn't be something to worry about.
Dunno where you'd get one though

31-10-2007, 12:02 PM

maplins do solar-powered trickle chargers
http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...GERS&doy=31m10

31-10-2007, 12:08 PM

ooh thats very modern!

Would one of them charge the battery up enough, if say I fancied a ride out on one of the warmer days?

Perhaps i'm better off taking the battery out and keeping it indoors.
If my alarm will allow it!

31-10-2007, 12:14 PM

Hi,
You don't mention a distance from a power source to you bike. You could try extending the lead from the charger hence keeping the charger indoors. Either cut the lead and extend (cheapest option) or try purchasing a set of mating connectors with the appropriate plug/socket.

Geoff

31-10-2007, 12:53 PM

I'd say it'll probably be around 3 meters. so not too far.
The bike is literally outside the back door.

I'm happy to extend the wires, no problems there.

Any recommendations for a good trickle charger? Don't wanna spend too much though!

31-10-2007, 01:26 PM

Busters are offering chargers for sale at the moment, £35 Optimate 3, and they do 2.5m extension leads OPT3EXLEAD £4.10. I assume this is the low voltage side in which case you could keep the Optimate inside.www.busters-accessories.co.uk

31-10-2007, 01:49 PM

M & P are offering the Oximizer for £15.00 Bargain!!

http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?catRef=536540

Desmo.

31-10-2007, 02:08 PM

What about post and packing?

31-10-2007, 02:59 PM

Whats the difference between that and the other one mentioned, which is twice the price?

Should I fork out £35 for one when £15 will do?

31-10-2007, 05:34 PM

Personally, I would choose the Optimate. Good reputation and Guarantee. I have one and can't fault it at all. I'm not dissing the Oxford Oximiser, but haven't had the pleasure of its use. Check out these:

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/optimate-3-sp-...QQcmdZViewItem

And these extension leads could be used in multiples, I guess.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Extension-cabl...QQcmdZViewItem

Hope this helps.

31-10-2007, 11:24 AM	#1
DevilBoy Guest Posts: n/a	Outdoor Battery Charger Hiya guys Tried to ride my bike in this morning as its a nice sunny day. Dead as a Dodo. I think i might invest in one of these optimiser things. Only problem is, my bike is in my back garden. Covered over, and wrapped up nice and warm. Can I still plug in an optimiser? I'd have to run an extension lead out the back, and keep the charger under the cover probably...

31-10-2007, 11:47 AM	#2
Nickj Too much time on my hands member Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: Forest Of Dean Bike: S2r Posts: 3,196	You'd have two issues there, one is the mains supply you use. Probably this should be an RCD protected spur. Second is the charger itself even under a cover it would need to be at least water repellant, preferably waterproof so condensation or rain blowing it up wouldn't be something to worry about. Dunno where you'd get one though __________________ "The final measure of any rider's skill is the inverse ratio of his preferred Traveling Speed to the number of bad scars on his body." Song of the sausage creature

31-10-2007, 12:14 PM	#5
moor-ph0 Guest Posts: n/a	Outside charging Hi, You don't mention a distance from a power source to you bike. You could try extending the lead from the charger hence keeping the charger indoors. Either cut the lead and extend (cheapest option) or try purchasing a set of mating connectors with the appropriate plug/socket. Geoff

31-10-2007, 05:34 PM	#11
GSOP Guest Posts: n/a	Personally, I would choose the Optimate. Good reputation and Guarantee. I have one and can't fault it at all. I'm not dissing the Oxford Oximiser, but haven't had the pleasure of its use. Check out these: http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/optimate-3-sp-...QQcmdZViewItem And these extension leads could be used in multiples, I guess. http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Extension-cabl...QQcmdZViewItem Hope this helps. Last edited by GSOP; 31-10-2007 at 05:39 PM..

31-10-2007, 12:02 PM	#3
gremlin Guest Posts: n/a	maplins do solar-powered trickle chargers http://www.maplin.co.uk/Module.aspx?...GERS&doy=31m10

31-10-2007, 12:08 PM	#4
DevilBoy Guest Posts: n/a	ooh thats very modern! Would one of them charge the battery up enough, if say I fancied a ride out on one of the warmer days? Perhaps i'm better off taking the battery out and keeping it indoors. If my alarm will allow it!

31-10-2007, 12:53 PM	#6
DevilBoy Guest Posts: n/a	I'd say it'll probably be around 3 meters. so not too far. The bike is literally outside the back door. I'm happy to extend the wires, no problems there. Any recommendations for a good trickle charger? Don't wanna spend too much though!

31-10-2007, 01:26 PM	#7
spm23 Guest Posts: n/a	Busters are offering chargers for sale at the moment, £35 Optimate 3, and they do 2.5m extension leads OPT3EXLEAD £4.10. I assume this is the low voltage side in which case you could keep the Optimate inside.www.busters-accessories.co.uk

31-10-2007, 01:49 PM	#8
desmo Guest Posts: n/a	M & P are offering the Oximizer for £15.00 Bargain!! http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?catRef=536540 Desmo.

31-10-2007, 02:08 PM	#9
katana Guest Posts: n/a	What about post and packing?

31-10-2007, 02:59 PM	#10
DevilBoy Guest Posts: n/a	Whats the difference between that and the other one mentioned, which is twice the price? Should I fork out £35 for one when £15 will do?